Government Canyon Loop is a 12.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near San Antonio, Texas that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and mountain biking and is accessible year-round.
Government Canyon State Natural Area charges an entrance fee of $6 per adult, children 12 and under are free. Reservations can be made here - https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/government-canyon
Great trail, not too hard and a lot of loose rocks. There are some beautiful spots where you can overlook the canyon and also see San Antonio on a clear day. Recommend hiking counterclockwise. Dinosaur tracks at the end is a nice way to end the hike but the trail gets crowded on the weekends in that area. Only saw 2-3 groups on the trail up to that point.
Great cruisy trail! got there at 7am and had the dino tracks and the trail to myself. I didn't see anyone till mile ten.
Beautiful day! Trail is well marked and maintained. The trail is dry. The southern half is fairly smooth and the northern half is very rocky.
it was an awesome and challenging hike. I deviated from the planned hike to see more of the back country. gorgeous!
Very rocky, wear sturdy shoes but it was a wonderful hike! Had to cut it a bit short due to the sun setting.
Very nice loop trail. Moderate to easy inclines. Quite rocky but most sections are doable for some trail running. Took a spur off the loop into the protected habitat area (black hills loop) and glad I did. Hiking only area with great trails and views. Totaled 16.5 miles and 1175’ elevation gain.
Nice trail through the cedar trees. This is a typical Texas Hill Country hike.
GREAT view “overview canyon trail” Rocky, hardest part of the trail
Beautiful but pretty rocky after the tracks and meadow, I couldnt imagine the quads of the bicyclists that were going uphill when we were coming down lol. Neat trail, my kid was under 10 at the time and had no problem keeping up. *Pack plenty of water though, can get pretty hot! The overlook is nice pit stop for lunch! Would recommend this to someone new to hiking!!
It was a great hike for novice hikers. Had a variety of trails from easy to moderate. Various terrain; meadows, small rocks, dirt, big rocks. It was a perfect day weather wise 60-80 degrees. We hiked 10 miles through a combination of trails that took us to the protected habitat area. About 600 ft of elevation variance I think.